Pepper Design Blog

Easy & Pretty Handmade Cake Stands

Here’s a recent idea I found for an upcoming shower… I’m so excited to give these a try. I have a special affection for all things cake stands, especially pretty ones that make lovely silhouette shapes in my kitchen shelves!

Handmade cake stands are simple and easy, here are two tutorials that outline the step-by-step directions for (1) an eclectic vintage mix and (2) a lovely all-white dessert buffet:

Kate’s recycled cake stands (shared on design*sponge back in 2008) make the perfect eclectic tea party addition. These would make beautiful table centerpieces for an outdoor shower as well.

I originally found this classic white dessert bar tutorial on Weddings & Cookies, but Renee’s creations are featured here on design*sponge as well! I love the clean, crisp look of all white – it would make a lovely dessert buffet for a wedding or party.

These would also look perfect lined neatly in a buffet cabinet or on floating shelves in the kitchen/dining room (for a fraction of the price of a store-bought collection!)

Can you believe they started as this?

Before we jump into the How-To, be sure to check out great Etsy artists like Burlap & Blue as an easy alternative if you’re looking for an option to purchase.

More pictures (and the How-To) after the jump! Read more »

Friday Guest Blog Interview: Maddycakes Muse

Today’s Friday guest blog interview brings us over to the darling site, Maddycakes Muse. Have you had a chance to check out this neat party inspiration blog yet? If not, you’ll love her frugalista approach to all things entertaining. Michelle recently showcased her Dr. Suess Thing One, Thing Two party for an event industry convention, Parties for Pennies, and planned the entire party for just $213!! (more on that after the jump…)

She “muses” about all things creative and beautiful: coffee filter roses & mailed diaper invitations (for a baby shower) being two of my recent favorites on the creative side (would that not make you smile to get one in the mail?) and beautiful damask dinner parties and elaborate tablescapes being on the beautiful end. On that note, how lovely is this Asian-themed dinner party?

I love all of the brilliant colors! and the bamboo name cards double as a clever favor. The tablecloth is actually an Ikea duvet cover found in the As-Is section at a steal of a price (note to self: search through sheets at Ikea asap).

When Michelle is not sharing her latest finds online, she designs & plans childrens parties through her business (by the same name) in Pheonix, Arizona.

If you didn’t think entertaining on a budget was possible – check out two more delicious tablescapes after the jump! and Michelle takes a moment to answer PDB’s four interview questions. Read more »

Shabby Chic {Handmade Paper Rosettes}

I love when you find inspiration in the most unexpected of places… the other day I was thinking about those little accordion paper fans I used to make as a little girl by folding up 8 1/2×11 sheets of white printer paper. They might turn into turkey tails for Thanksgiving or maybe even folded hearts for Valentine’s Day.

I found this lovely inspiration board (below) at Paper Crave and it brought me right back to the 2nd grade. The grown-up version of paper accordions comes in the form of folded maps, book pages or antique wallpaper.

I really love the simple way these accordion paper poms fit into every type of party decor. I can imagine them delicately hung above a wedding reception dance floor, lined neatly over a bridal shower dessert buffet or in bright & bold hues for a child’s birthday party.

The rosette ‘table confetti’ is my favorite. And how pretty are the button and brooch centerpieces? A little pearl bead would be perfect.

Once Wed designed an entire grey, green & pink dinner party around this theme (see top top photo), and design*sponge shares it here. To make your own paper accordion rosette, Paper Source provides a free downloadable pdf. And finally, a super easy DIY awaits after the jump! Read more »